"STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS" Introduction to The Minor Prophets

Transcription

1 "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS" Introduction to The Minor Prophets INTRODUCTION 1. While Christians are not under the Old Testament as a system of justification, the OT is of great value for us today... a. Written for our learning, it is a source of comfort and hope - Ro 15:4 b. Written for our admonition, we learn what mistakes to avoid - 1 Co 10:11 c. As with all scripture inspired of God, it is profitable "for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" - cf. 2 Ti 3: This is especially true with regard to "The Minor Prophets"... a. A collection of twelve books that make up the last part of the Old Testament b. Beginning with Hosea, and ending with Malachi 3. Those willing to study these books will find their lives enriched as they increase... a. Their knowledge of God's holiness, righteousness, justice and mercy b. Their understanding of God's dealings in the nations of men c. Their appreciation of the Bible as a literary masterpiece [With this lesson, we begin a series of studies in which we will survey "The Minor Prophets". Before we examine our first book, some introductory material may prove helpful...] I. WHO WERE THE PROPHETS? A. THE OLD COVENANT HAD DIFFERENT KINDS OF INSTRUCTORS There was Moses, the lawgiver - Neh 8:1; Neh 8:14; Neh 9:13-14; Jn 1:17; Jn 7:19 2. There were the priests, administrators of the law - Lev 10:8-11; Hos 4:6; Eze 22:26; Mal 2:7 3. There were the wise men, who gave counsel - 2 Sam 14:1-24; 2 Sam 20: There were the psalmists, poets who were the "sweet singers" of Israel - cf. 2 Sam 23:1; 1 Chr 6:33 5. There were the prophets, communicators of the Word of God B. A "PROPHET" WAS A SPOKESMAN FOR ANOTHER Like Aaron was for his brother Moses - Exo 4:16; Ex 7:1 2. The word literally means "to boil up like a fountain" 3. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, a prophet... a. Was a spokesman for God - 2 Pe 1:21 b. Was given something to say, and had to say it! - Jer 20: A prophet was primarily a "forth-teller", though sometimes a "fore-teller" a. God's word often pertained to future events b. The fulfilled prophecies of these prophets are therefore a strong proof of inspiration -- But much of their word concerned not the future, but current events C. OTHER DESIGNATIONS HELP TO DEFINE THE ROLE OF A PROPHET Early in Israel's history they were called "seers" - 1 Sam 9:9 2. Another appellation was "man of God" - 1 Sam 9:6; 1 Kings 17:18

2 3. Also known as a "servant of God" - 1 Kings 18:36; 1 Chr 6:49 4. They served as God's "messenger" - Dan 4:13; Hag 1:13 5. They were also assigned the role of "watchman" - Eze 3:17; Eza 33:7 [The prophets were therefore servants of God, divinely appointed and inspired to proclaim His Word. At times, they were messengers of God's word as it applied to the present, serving as watchmen of the people of God; other times, God's message pertained to the future, and as such they were "seers" of things to come.] II. HOW ARE THE PROPHETS CLASSIFIED? A. IT IS COMMON TO SPEAK OF "ORAL" AND "LITERARY" PROPHETS The "oral" prophets are those who left no writings bearing their names a. Such as Elijah and Elisha - cf. 1 Kings 17; 2 Kings 2 b. Many others, including Nathan 2 Sam 12, Gad 2 Sam 24:11, and Ahijah 1 Kings 11:29 2. Those who left books bearing their names are called the "literary" prophets B. THE LITERARY PROPHETS ARE CATEGORIZED AS "MAJOR" AND "MINOR" PROPHETS Augustine is credited with being the first to classify them in this way 2. The distinction pertains only to the length of the books a. The "major prophets" include the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel b. The "minor prophets" are those twelve books from Hosea to Malachi [As we consider the works of the "literary" prophets, we should note that the order of the books in our Bibles is not chronological. Therefore it may serve useful to review...] III. THE LITERARY PROPHETS IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER Please note: Dating the prophets is not without controversy, and with some it can be very difficult. What we provide below are the estimates among many conservative scholars. While the specific year may not be known the estimates are within a decade or two. But more importantly, the messages remain the same throughout the ages. A. NINTH CENTURY (EARLY ASSYRIAN PERIOD) 1. Obadiah (ca. 845 B.C.) 2. Joel (ca 830 B.C.) 3. Jonah ( B.C.) -- This is during the period of "The Divided Kingdom" in Israel's history; to the north and east the empire of Assyria was beginning to make its presence known in Israel B. EIGHTH CENTURY (ASSYRIAN PERIOD) 1. Amos (755 B.C.) 2. Hosea ( B.C.) 3. Isaiah ( B.C.) 4. Micah ( B.C.) -- In 722 B.C., the northern kingdom of Israel was taken into Assyrian captivity; these prophets were proclaiming God's message as the nation was being threatened from the north

3 C. SEVENTH CENTURY (CHALDEAN PERIOD) 1. Jeremiah ( B.C.) 2. Zephaniah ( B.C.) 3. Nahum ( B.C.) 4. Habakkuk ( B.C.) -- Assyria was eventually defeated by Babylon; these prophets served as God's messengers when the Babylonian empire threatened the kingdom of Judah D. SIXTH CENTURY (THE EXILE) 1. Ezekiel ( B.C.) 2. Daniel ( B.C.) -- Like many of their countrymen, these prophets were taken into Babylonian captivity; from Babylon they served as God's messengers to both captives and kings E. SIXTH AND FIFTH CENTURIES (POST-EXILIC PERIOD) 1. Haggai (520 B.C.) 2. Zechariah ( B.C.) 3. Malachi (ca. 440 B.C.) -- After the Jews were allowed to return home from Babylonian captivity, God used Haggai and Zechariah to encourage the people to rebuild the temple; later, Malachi was used to reform the priesthood during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah [Finally, here are some thoughts on...] IV. UNDERSTANDING THE MESSAGE OF THE PROPHETS A. THREE THINGS TO BEAR IN MIND AS YOU STUDY THE PROPHETS Seek to understand the political, social and religious conditions of the times a. Any interpretation must consider how the message was relevant for the people to whom the prophet spoke b. Secondary fulfillment of prophecy is often found in the NT, but this can be understood only when applied by inspired writers of the NT c. Guard against making interpretations that are purely speculative d. Any application to modern events must be carefully harmonized in light of the NT 2. Consider God's relation to the heathen nations (i.e., other than Israel and Judah) a. The prophets often revealed how God directed their destiny and judged them b. The New Testament reveals that Christ rules the nations today! - Mt 28:18; Re 1:5 3. Notice any teaching regarding the Messiah and His coming kingdom - Acts 26:6-7; Acts 28:23 a. The immediate mission of most prophets was to save God's people from idolatry and wickedness b. Failing that, they were sent to announce God's judgment and the coming destruction of the nation c. But many prophets left a message of hope for the future, regarding the Messiah who would come and establish a kingdom that could never be destroyed! B. SOME OF THE GREAT THEMES DEVELOPED BY THE PROPHETS The holiness of God - He is absolutely pure, righteous, just, merciful, tender, loving, and longsuffering 2. The sovereignty of God - He rules the universe and is above all

4 3. The immutability of God's word a. He carries out His promises b. One can depend upon Him to act consistently with His Word 4. The terribleness of sin a. God abhors iniquity, and will not tolerate, overlook, nor excuse it b. But He is willing to forgive those who humbly repent 5. Repentance and righteousness a. This is the clarion call of the prophets b. Though severe is God's punishment of the wicked, yet God's mercy is great in loving kindness upon the righteous who are of broken spirit and contrite heart 6. The worship due God - The proper reverence, awe, and respect for God will cause one to praise Him and give thanks for His wonderful grace and mercy! CONCLUSION 1. Why study "The Minor Prophets"? a. This is a question asked by many sincere students of the Bible. b. Some do not see the value for Christians to study this portion of the Old Testament c. Yet later they realize there is much to learn from this portion of God's Word. 2. Why study "The Minor Prophets"? Because in them we learn about... a. The nature of God, His holiness, justice, righteousness and mercy b. The workings of God, as He dealt with nations, bringing judgment upon the guilty...which can help us in our relationship with God today, giving us comfort and hope to face the future, knowing that God is in ultimate control! We hope this brief introduction has whet your appetite to study "The Minor Prophets". Our next lesson will begin the study in earnest with a look at the book of Obadiah...

5 "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS" Obadiah - The Judgment Of Edom (Obadiah 1:1-21) INTRODUCTION 1. The first of the "The Minor Prophets" we shall consider is Obadiah, whose book is the shortest of all books in the Old Testament 2. His name means "Servant of Yahweh (Jehovah)", which was quite common... a. Thirteen different people are called by this name in the Old Testament b. One Jewish tradition identifies him as the one who was Ahab's steward 1) Who hid 100 prophets from Jezebel, Ahab's wife - 1 Kings 18:3-4 2) Who feared the Lord from his youth - 1 Kings 18:12 c. He may have also been... 1) The Obadiah sent by Jehoshaphat to teach the law in Judah - 2 Chr 17:7 2) The Obadiah who was one of the overseers in repairing the temple under Josiah - 2 Chr 34:12 -- Whoever this Obadiah was, his message contains valuable lessons for us today [Before looking at the book itself, let's consider some...] I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION A. THE DATE Two dates are often proposed: 845 B.C. and 586 B.C. 2. The prophet refers to an attack on Jerusalem; commentators offer these two possibilities: a. The days of Jehoram ( B.C.), when Philistines and Arabians attacked the city - 2 Chr 21:8-10; 2 Chr 21:16-17 b. The destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians (586 B.C.) 3. The internal evidence appears to support the early date of 845 B.C. (Keil, Hailey) a. The language of Obadiah is much different from Jeremiah b. There is no mention of the destruction of the temple, the deportation to Babylon, the remnant who went to Egypt -- We accept the early date, that it was around 845 B.C. B. THE MESSAGE The fall of Edom a. Because of its pride b. And its cruelty against Israel, their cousins 2. The exaltation of Zion a. When Seir, the Edomite counterpart of Zion, will be cast down b. The rescued of Israel will be in Zion, for in it the redeemed shall be found -- For this reason we have subtitled this lesson as "The Judgment Of Edom" C. THE HISTORY OF EDOM The people of Edom descended from Esau, Jacob's twin brother 2. There was sibling rivalry between Edom and Israel, found first in Esau and Jacob

6 a. The twins struggled in their mother's womb - Gen 25:22-26 b. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob - Gen 25:27-34 c. Jacob stole Esau's blessing as the firstborn - Gen 27: While Jacob and Esau eventually reconciled Gen., chapters 32 & 33, their descendants were often at odds with one another a. In the Exodus, Edom refused Israel passage through their land - Num 20:14-21 b. Edom was finally subjected by David - 2 Sam 8:13-14 c. During the reign of Jehoram, Edom revolted - 2 Kings 8: Located south of the Dead Sea, they built their cities in the cliffs and thought themselves impregnable 5. After the prophecy of Obadiah... a. The Edomites were overcome by the Nabataeans and forced to settle south of Judah b. Around 100 B.C., they were conquered by John Hyrcanus of the Maccabees 1) Who forced many of them to be circumcised and accept the Law 2) As such, many became nominal Jewish proselytes (Herod the Great was one) c. By 100 A.D., Edom as a race and nation had become lost to history [With this background, let's now read through the prophecy of Obadiah, with the aid of the following...] II. OUTLINE OF THE BOOK A. THE COMING JUDGMENT ON EDOM Oba 1: The decree has gone forth to the nations Oba 1:1 2. Deceived by pride in her location, Edom will be brought down Oba 1: Destruction will be complete Oba 1: Edom will be betrayed by allies Oba 1:7 5. Not even wisdom and might can save them Oba 1:8-9 B. THE REASON FOR JUDGMENT ON EDOM Oba 1: For violence and unbrotherly conduct toward Jacob Oba 1: A rebuke against such conduct Oba 1: Therefore the "Day of the Lord" for them will mean receiving the same sort of treatment! Oba 1:15-16 C. THE EXALTATION OF ISRAEL OVER EDOM Oba 1: Deliverance and holiness will be found on Mt. Zion, not Mt. Seir (the prominent mountain in Edom)! verse 17a 2. The house of Jacob shall consume the house of Esau Oba 1:17b The children of Israel will possess Edom and surrounding nations Oba 1: The ultimate rule will be that of the Lord's Oba 1:21 [With this brief perusal of Obadiah's "vision" concerning Edom Oba 1:1, here are some thoughts regarding...] III. THE FULFILLMENT OF THE PROPHECY A. ITS IMMEDIATE FULFILLMENT Edom's destruction began with the Babylonian invasion under Nebuchadnezzar (ca. 600 B.C.)

7 2. It continued into the fourth century B.C. with the invasion of the Arabs known as the Nabataeans, forcing them to a region south of Judah 3. In the second century B.C., the Maccabees brought them under subjection when Judas Maccabeus slew twenty thousand of them 4. John Hyrcanus ( B.C.) forced the remnant to accept circumcision and the Law B. ITS ULTIMATE FULFILLMENT May likely have been with the coming of the Messiah (Jesus Christ) 2. For with His coming, and the establishment of the spiritual kingdom beginning in Jerusalem... a. Deliverance and holiness did come from Mt. Zion (i.e. Jerusalem)! - Lk 24:47 b. The kingdom (rule) is the Lord's - cf. Lk 1:31-34; Mt 28:18; 1 Pe 3:22; Re 1:5 c. The house of Jacob (i.e., the true spiritual Israel) did possess Edom as the Gentiles among them became Christians! - cf. Ro 11:13-18 (where faithful Gentiles are spoken as being grafted into the stock of Israel) 3. As support for this interpretation, consider: a. The prophecy of Balaam - Num 24: ) Which foretells how "A Star shall come out of Jacob, A Scepter shall rise out of Israel" (the Messiah?) 2) And how Edom will become a possession b. The prophecy of Amos - Amos 9:11-12 c. The application by James at the council in Jerusalem - Ac 15: ) Who understood the conversion of the Gentiles to be a fulfillment of Amos 2) Therefore the fulfillment is figurative, not literal, as Gentiles become Christians [Finally, a few thoughts about some...] IV. LESSONS FROM THE BOOK OF OBADIAH A. "PRIDE GOES BEFORE DESTRUCTION..." - Pro 16:18 1. Pride leads to vanity and a sense of independence from God 2. Just as Edom took pride in their geographical location, allies, wisdom and might 3. Such arrogance God will punish - cf. Isa 13: Are we on guard against such pride? B. DO NOT MISTREAT YOUR BRETHREN This was Edom's guilt also Oba 1:10 2. How we treat our brethren affects our relationship with the Lord - cf. 1 Co 8:12 -- Are we careful about our dealings with our brethren? C. "DO NOT REJOICE WHEN YOUR ENEMY FALLS..." - Pro 24: This Edom did when Judah was plundered Oba 1:12 2. This sort of gloating is displeasing to God! -- Do we rejoice when our enemy falls? D. IN TIME OF DIVINE JUDGMENT, GOD PROVIDES A MEANS AND PLACE OF ESCAPE FOR THOSE WHO TURN TO HIM Note again verse 17, where Mount Zion would become a place of deliverance 2. Today, spiritual Mount Zion is a place to which we can turn - cf. He 12:22-24

8 3. It is a place where we can find: a. "the city of the living God" b. "the heavenly Jerusalem" c. "an innumerable company of angels" d. "the firstborn registered in heaven" e. "God the Judge of all" f. "the spirits of just men made perfect" g. "Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant" h. "the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel" -- Of course, this is what we come to as we obey the gospel of Christ! CONCLUSION 1. With this brief look at "The Book Of Obadiah", we have seen that... a. The prophets were not limited in their prophecies to just the nation of Israel b. God held the heathen nations accountable for their actions c. While it was written primarily to comfort the Israelites in Obadiah's day, there are lessons to be gleaned for us as well d. The message of hope may have had its ultimate fulfillment in what we can enjoy ourselves today, in the person and work of Jesus! 2. In verse 15, we find the expression "the day of the Lord"... a. An expression often used by the prophets referring to God's judgment upon the nations b. The particular "day of the Lord" of which Obadiah wrote was "near", and was fulfilled with the destruction of Edom c. But there is another "day of the Lord" yet to come! 1) Of which God's judgments upon the nations were only a shadow, a type 2) Peter writes of that day, in which the whole world will be judged - 2 Pe 3:7-13 Are we ready for that "day of the Lord"? Or do we in our arrogance take pride in our wisdom, might, or position in life? If so, "the pride of your heart has deceived you" Obadiah 1:3. How much better to humbly recognize that... "...on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness;" Oba 1:17 ) Have you come to Mount Zion, and to Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant?

9 "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS" Joel - The Day Of The Lord (Joel 1:1 to 2:27) INTRODUCTION 1. We now turn to the book of Joel, and this will be the first of two lessons 2. The name "Joel" means "Jehovah is God", and we know very little about the author a. The name appears frequently, with at least a dozen men sharing the name in the O.T. b. Described as "the son of Pethuel" (Joel 1:1), there is no reason to associate him with any other Joel mentioned in the Bible [As we begin our study, let's do so with some] I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION A. THE DATE 1. The date of the book is uncertain a. Some place it as one of the earliest of the "literary prophets" (ca. 900 B.C.) b. Some believe it was written after the Exile (ca. 400 B.C.) 2. Hailey, Young, and other scholars defend the early date a. Suggesting a date of 830 B.C. b. There are other scholars who defend a later date. B. THE OCCASION 1. Joel's prophecy was occasioned by a calamity that had struck the land a. Literally, it is described as a locust plague b. Some suggest that the locusts were symbolical of an army that had invaded 2. We take the description of the plague as literal C. THE MESSAGE 1. Joel sees the locust plague as a warning from God a. That the calamity was heralding "the day of the Lord" which was coming b. That if the people did not repent, this "day" would bring even more destruction 2. So Joel's message is "Seek the Lord through repentance!" in the first two chapters: (Joel 1:1-20; Joel 2:1-27) 3. Joel also has some things to say about what shall come to pass "afterward" (Joel 2:28-32 to Joel 3:1-21) [With this brief background as an introduction, let's now begin reading the book with the aid of the following outline] II. OUTLINE OF THE BOOK (Joel 1:1 to 2:27) A. THE LAND IS LAID WASTE (Joel 1:1-12) 1. Joel provides a graphic description of the locust plague (Joel 1:1-4) 2. He calls for people to weep over the devastation (Joel 1:5-12)

10 B. A PLEA TO CRY OUT TO THE LORD (Joel 1:13-20) 1. To be led by the priests, consecrating a fast and calling the people together (Joel 1:13-14) 2. For the present destruction is heralding the coming "day of the Lord" (Joel 1:15-18) 3. Joel and the beasts take the lead, with their own cry to the Lord (Joel 1:19-20) C. THE COMING "DAY OF THE LORD" (Joel 2:1-11) 1. A cry to warn the people, for the day is coming! (Joel 2:1) 2. This particular "day of the Lord" is vividly described (Joel 2:2-11) a. It will be a recurrence of the locust plague b. Described as an invading army, an army led by God! D. A CALL TO REPENTANCE (Joel 2:12-17) 1. Voiced first by God Himself (Joel 2:12) 2. Then elaborated upon by Joel (Joel 2:13-17) a. Repent, for God Who is gracious may relent and provide a blessing b. Make it a national repentance, led by the priests E. THE LORD'S PROMISE IF THERE IS REPENTANCE (Joel 2:18-20) 1. He will be zealous for His land, and show pity to the people (Joel 2:18) 2. He will bless them with grain, wine, and oil (Joel 2:19) 3. He will remove the "army" (locusts) from the north (Joel 2:20) F. A CALL TO COURAGE AND GLADNESS (Joel 2:21-24) 1. A call directed by Joel towards: a. The land, for the Lord has done marvelous things (Joel 2:21) b. The beasts of the field, for the pastures and trees are fruitful once again (Joel 2:22) c. The children of Zion, for the Lord is blessing the land with rain and a full harvest (Joel 2:23-24) 2. This passage implies the people repented, and the Lord was keeping His promise! G. THE LORD'S REASSURANCE (Joel 2:25-27) 1. God will restore what His "army" (the locusts) had destroyed (Joel 2:25) 2. They will be blessed with plenty, and praise God for His grace (Joel 2:26) 3. Then they shall truly know that God is over them (Joel 2:27) [This ends the first part of Joel's prophecy. It clearly pertained to the people of his day. The rest of the book looks forward to a period described as "afterward" (Joel 2:28), "in those days and at that time" (Joel 3:1), and "in that day" (Joel 3:18). This section we will examine in our next lesson. But from what we have read thus far, what lessons can we learn from Joel?] III. LESSONS FROM THE BOOK OF JOEL A. THE VALUE OF NATURAL CALAMITIES 1. They can serve to turn men back to God 2. God certainly used them to reach out to His people in the O.T. - cf. Amos 4: But not all calamities come from God; some came from Satan - cf. Job 1:6-19

11 4. Whether calamities come from God, Satan, or are purely coincidental, they should be times of reflection concerning life and our relationship to God - e.g., Job 1:20-22 B. THE NATURE OF TRUE REPENTANCE (Joel 2:12-13a) 1. It must be with all our heart (Joel 2:12a) 2. It must be inward, not just outward (Joel 2:12b-13a) C. THE NATURE OF GOD (Joel 2:13b) 1. He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness - cf. Psa 103: He relents from doing harm when we repent - cf. Jer 18:7-8 D. "THE DAY OF THE LORD" CAN BE AVERTED 1. "The day of the Lord" often refers to God's judgment upon a nation a. Such judgments were many, and often described in terms indicative of the final judgment at the end of time - cf. the judgment of Babylon, Isa 13:1-13 b. In the first part of Joel's prophecy, it referred to a plague of locusts that would be greater than what they had already experienced - Joel 2: But such judgments could be averted - cf. Jer 18:7-8 a. Such happened with the city of Nineveh - cf. Jonah 3:1-10 b. And when we read Joel 1:11; Joel 2:1; Joel 2:11 and compare it with Joel 2:13-14; Joel 1:18-23, it appears to have been averted in Joel's day! 3. Of course, this does not pertain to the "ultimate" day of the Lord at the end of time, but to the "preliminary" judgments that God often brings upon a nation CONCLUSION 1. Our next lesson will complete our survey of the book of Joel, in which we will find a. Joel writing of events that heralded the beginning of the Christian dispensation b. More lessons that are of value to the Christian 2. But in closing, may I remind you of that "day of the Lord" which is yet to come? a. A day vividly described in 2 Pe 3:7-10 b. A day which cannot be averted, but for which we can prepare - 2 Pe 3:11-14 For those who prepare themselves for this coming "day of the Lord", they will find that indeed the Lord is "gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness" (Joel 2:13). But for those who continue in their sins, we can only say along with Joel "Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is at hand; It shall come as destruction from the Almighty." (Joel 1:15)

12 "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS" Joel - The Day Of The Lord (Joel 2:28 to 3:21) INTRODUCTION 1. In our previous lesson on Joel, we saw that a. Joel's prophecy was occasioned by a plague of locusts - Joel 1:2-4 b. He proclaimed the plague as a warning from God - Joel 1: ) If the people would not repent, "the day of the Lord" would come and bring greater destruction - Joel 2:1-5 2) If they did repent, then material blessings would follow - Joel 2:12-14 c. Joel therefore called for a national repentance - Joel 2:15-17a d. Evidently his work was effective, for he describes the blessings that had come - Joel 2: We also noticed some lessons to be learned from the book a. The value of natural calamities (can serve to turn men to God) b. The nature of true repentance - Joel 2:12-13 c. The character of the Lord - Joel 2:13b d. "The day of the Lord", when referring to God's judgment on a city or nation, can be averted - cf. also Jer 18:7-8; Jonah 3: In this lesson, we shall complete our survey of Joel by reading Joel 2:28 thru 3:21 a. With attention to the prophetic element of this passage b. Offering comments concerning its interpretation [Let's begin with a careful reading of this passage] I. JOEL'S PROPHECY OF THE FUTURE A. WHAT SHALL COME TO PASS "AFTERWARD" (Joel 2:26-32) 1. God's Spirit will be poured out on all flesh - Joel 2: Wonders in heaven and earth to appear before the coming of "the day of the Lord" - Joel 2: There shall be deliverance in Mount Zion and Jerusalem - Joel 2:32 B. WHAT SHALL OCCUR "IN THOSE DAYS" (Joel 3:1-17) 1. God will judge all nations on account of His people - Joel 3: Specifically mentioned are Tyre, Sidon and Philistia - Joel 3:4-8 a. Who had mistreated God's people b. Who shall be treated as they treated others 3. The nations are called to do battle - Joel 3:9-12 a. "Prepare for war!" b. Come to the "Valley of Jehoshaphat", where the Lord will judge the nations 1) Jehoshaphat means "God shall judge" 2) The valley referred to may be the Kidron near Jerusalem 4. The outcome - Joel 3:13-17 a. There will be a great harvest b. "The day of the Lord" is described

13 1) As near in this "valley of decision" 2) In which the heavenly bodies are diminished and shaken c. While God's people find shelter and strength in Him d. The Lord will be known and dwell in Zion, Jerusalem forever remaining holy C. WHAT SHALL COME TO PASS "IN THAT DAY" (Joel 3:18-21) 1. Judah shall be blessed by a "fountain from the house of the Lord" - Joel 3:18 2. Egypt and Edom will be desolate because of their violence - Joel 3:19 3. Judah and Jerusalem shall abide forever, acquitted of their guilt - Joel 3:20-21 [Such is the prophetic message of Joel. What he SAYS is clear enough. What he MEANS is something else! Here are a few thoughts on] II. INTERPRETING JOEL'S PROPHECY A. THERE ARE THREE KEY PHRASES 1. "it shall come to pass afterward" - Joel 2:28 a. This period of time is clearly defined by Peter in Ac 2:14-21 b. In which he applies it to the events on the Day of Pentecost 2. "in those days and at that time" - Joel 3:1 a. The same period of time as described in Joel 2:28-32 b. I.e., at some point during the Messianic age 3. "in that day" - Joel 3:18 a. The context places this AFTER "the day of the Lord" b. I.e., at some point during the Messianic age, but not until AFTER the judgment of the nations in the "Valley of Jehoshaphat" B. DETERMINING THE TIME AND EVENTS 1. Certainly Joel 2:28-29 refers to a period beginning with the events described in Acts 2 a. Peter said "this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel" - Ac 2:16 b. An inspired statement pinpointing when this prophecy began to be fulfilled 2. However, there are different opinions regarding Joel 2:30-3:21 a. "The day of the Lord" in Joel 2:30-31 is variously interpreted as: 1) The destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD 2) The final coming of the Lord b. The judgment in the "valley of Jehoshaphat" in Joel 3:1-17 is variously interpreted as: 1) Figurative, by some; literal, by others 2) Referring to no specific judgment, by some 3) Referring to a specific judgment at some time, by others 1) E.g., after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD 2) E.g., The "Battle of Armageddon" prior to the "millennium" - Re 16: ) E.g., the battle after the "millennium" described in Re 20:7-10 c. Various views are also offered for the blessing of Judah and Jerusalem in Joel 3: With such differences in interpretation, one should not be dogmatic C. HERE IS MY OWN UNDERSTANDING OF (Joel 2:30 to 3:21) 1. The passage is not to be taken literally a. For we know that the Spirit was not literally poured out upon ALL flesh - Joel 2:28

14 b. It would be physically impossible for ALL the nations to gather in the "Valley of Jehoshaphat" - Joel 3:2; Joel 3:12 c. The "Valley of Acacias" is located on the other side of the Jordan River, making it geographically impossible to be watered by a stream from Jerusalem - Joel 3:18 2. This passage speaks in terms meaningful and comforting to Israelites in Joel's day a. The prophecy was initially given to comfort them, give them hope for the future b. Therefore prophetic elements are described in terms to which they could relate 1) E.g., deliverance in their capital, Jerusalem - Joel 2:32 2) E.g., judgment upon those enemies who oppressed them - Joel 3:1-8 3) E.g., desolation of such enemies as Edom and Egypt - Joel 3:19 4) E.g., blessings to befall the nation and the land - Joel 3:18; Joel But it refers to spiritual realities fulfilled with the coming of the Messiah! a. Salvation and deliverance will indeed come out of Zion and Jerusalem - cf. Joel 2:32 with Lk 24:44-47; He 12:22-24 b. God will judge the enemies of His people - cf. Joel 3:1-17 with Rev Chapters 4 thru 20 (esp. Re 20:7-10) c. In the end, God's people will prosper and the wicked will be desolate - cf. Joel 3:18-21 with Rev Chapters 21 & 22 (esp. Re 22:1-2 ) 4. This is true whether or not any particular event is referred to in this passage a. I lean toward the view that "the day of the Lord" in this passage is the FINAL JUDGMENT when the Lord comes again b. Others think that it refers to the DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM in 70 A.D c. Whatever one's interpretation, the application is the same 1) The means and source of salvation: The Lord Himself - Joel 2:32 2) The day of the Lord is coming! a) A terrible day for the wicked - cf. Joel 3:14-16a b) But for God's people there is shelter and strength - cf. Joel 3:16b c) And in the end, blessings for the people of God, while their enemies lie desolate - cf. Joel 3:18-21 CONCLUSION 1. In studying "The Minor Prophets" a. Determining the proper INTERPRETATION is certainly a worthy goal b. But determining the proper APPLICATION is our essential task! 2. If this be true, then the crucial question is this: Have we found that salvation, deliverance, shelter and strength which only the Lord can provide when the final "day of the Lord" comes? To know where to look, one should carefully read Peter's sermon on the Day of Pentecost, after he had quoted Joel - cf. Ac 2:22-39

15 "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS" The Book of Amos - The Country Prophet (Part 1) INTRODUCTION 1. In our survey of "The Minor Prophets", we have already considered... a. Obadiah, who prophesied of the judgment to befall Edom b. Joel, who proclaimed a locust plague as a harbinger of "the day of the Lord" c. Jonah, God's messenger to the Assyrian city of Nineveh 2. Our next prophet is Amos... a. A shepherd and gatherer of sycamore fruit called by God to prophesy - Amos 7:14-15 b. Who proclaimed God's message concerning eight nations, with an emphasis on the northern kingdom of Israel 3. His book is divided into three sections... a. A series of "oracles" concerning sin and judgment of eight nations (ch. 1-2) b. A series of "sermons" concerning the sin and judgment of Israel (ch. 3-6) c. A series of "visions" regarding the sin and judgment of Israel (ch. 7-9) [This lesson will examine the first section, with a look at the "oracles" Amos proclaimed against eight nations. We begin with a reading of Amos 1:1-2, which serves as an...] I. INTRODUCTION (Amos 1:1-2) A. THE MAN 1. NAME - Amos means "burden-bearer" 2. HOME - The village of Tekoa a. 12 miles south of Jerusalem, 18 miles west of the Dead Sea b. Near the wilderness of Judea, a very rugged area -- So while he was Judah, he primarily prophesied against Israel in the north 3. OCCUPATION - "a sheepbreeder and a tender of sycamore fruit." (Amos 7:14 ) a. An outdoorsman, accustomed to the wilds of nature, and of hard, honest toil b. It would be easy for him to have little sympathy for the lazy and materialistic conduct of his northern kinsman 4. CHARACTER a. Not known for his sympathy or warmth, but for his sense of justice and right b. "Not a sob is to be found in his book for the nation of wicked apostates, and there is only a sigh for the poor" (Hailey) c. He is reminiscent of John the Baptist B. THE DATE He prophesied in the days of: a. Uzziah, king of Judah b. Jeroboam II of Israel 2. Two years before an earthquake

16 3. While the actual date is unknown, 755 B.C. is often suggested C. THE PEOPLE His audience is primarily the northern kingdom of Israel 2. Conditions which characterized them at this time: a. Wealthy, enjoying great luxury b. Morally, religiously, and politically corrupt D. HIS MESSAGE In Amos 1:2, we see a vivid picture of the Lord as a lion whose roar to the north reaches all the way to Mt. Carmel 2. This describes what God is doing through Amos, proclaiming a fiery message of condemnation and judgment against Israel and the surrounding nations 3. "The people of Israel were now at the summit of worldly prosperity, but were rapidly filling up the measure of their sins. The mission of Amos was, therefore, rather to threaten than to console. He rebukes, among other things, the corruption of their manners, which kept pace with their prosperity; he charges the great men with partiality as judges, and violence towards the poor; and he foretells, as a punishment from God, the captivity of the ten tribes in a foreign country..." - The Bible Handbook, Angus and Green [With verse 2 as a good preview of the nature of Amos' prophecy, let's now survey the first main section of the book of Amos...] II. THE "ORACLES" OF SIN AND JUDGMENT UPON THE NATIONS (Amos 1:3 TO 2:16) A. DAMASCUS - Amos 1: SIN - cruelty toward the inhabitants of Gilead (the tribes of Gad and Reuben) 2. JUDGMENT - destruction and captivity a. Hazael was the murderer of Ben-Hadad I, and usurper of his throne - 2 Ki 8:7-15 b. Ben-Hadad II was the son of Hazel - cf. 2 Ki 13:3; 2 Ki 13: FULFILLMENT - by the Assyrians - cf. 2 Ki 16:1-9 B. GAZA (PHILISTIA) - Amos 1: SIN - engaging in slave traffic 2. JUDGMENT - total devastation 3. FULFILLMENT - by the Assyrians C. TYRE - Amos 1: SIN - slave traffic; did not remember the covenant of "brotherhood" (between Solomon and Hiram? - cf. 1 Ki 5:12) 2. JUDGMENT - destruction 3. FULFILLMENT - started by Nebuchadnezzar; finished by Alexander the Great D. EDOM - Amos 1: SIN - cruelty to brethren - cf. Oba 1: JUDGMENT - destruction upon Teman (capital) and Bozrah (another chief city) 3. FULFILLMENT - by the Nabateans, ca 400 B.C.

17 E. AMMON - Amos 1: SIN - murder of pregnant women in Gilead (the tribes of Gad and Reuben) 2. JUDGMENT - destruction of Rabbah (capital) and captivity 3. FULFILLMENT - by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon F. MOAB - Amos 2: SIN - burned the king of Edom's bones to lime 2. JUDGMENT - destruction of the chief city of Kerioth 3. FULFILLMENT - by the Babylonians G. JUDAH - Amos 2: SIN - apostasy from the Law 2. JUDGMENT - Jerusalem (the capital) to be destroyed 3. FULFILLMENT - by Nebuchadnezzar, 586 B.C. H. ISRAEL - Amos 2: SIN - several sins are listed... a. Social injustice (slave trade and abuse of the poor) b. Immorality (prostitution) c. Idolatry (worshipping other gods) d. Rebellion against God, who... a. Cast out the Amorites before them b. Delivered them from the land of Egypt c. Gave them prophets and Nazarites, whom they corrupted -- The effect of which weighed God down like a cart full of sheaves - Amos 2:13 2. JUDGMENT - their inability to flee when destruction comes upon them 3. FULFILLMENT - by the Assyrians in B.C. - 2 Ki 17:5-23 [It is apparent that the focus in this section is primarily upon the northern kingdom of Israel, even though Judah did not escape condemnation. What lessons might we glean from these first two chapters?] III. LESSONS FROM THE "ORACLES" OF AMOS A. GOD HOLDS THE NATIONS OF MEN ACCOUNTABLE He was not just concerned with His covenant people of Israel 2. As we saw with Obadiah and Jonah, God judged the surrounding nations as well 3. As Farrar says of Amos: "His whole message centers in the common prophetic conviction that God is the sole and righteous Governor of the world, judging the people righteously, and when they rebel, dashing them to pieces like a potter's vessel." 4. The same authority is given to Christ today! - cf. Mt 28:18; Rev 1:5; Rev 2:26-27 B. APOSTASY AND CRUELTY TREATED ALIKE God condemned: a. The heathens for their cruelty b. Judah and Israel for their apostasy from the Law 2. But their judgments were basically the same!

18 C. THE STANDARDS TO WHICH NATIONS WERE HELD ACCOUNTABLE The heathen were judged for their violation of basic principles of righteousness 2. The people of God were judged by their faithfulness to God's revealed Word! -- Akin to what we find Paul writing in Rom 2:12-15 CONCLUSION 1. In our next lesson we will continue our study of Amos... a. Looking at chapters 3-6, which concentrate on the sins and judgment of Israel b. Where more lessons can be gleaned for us to apply today 2. Having read the judgments God pronounced upon the eight nations... a. We are reminded that God is a righteous GOD b. One who holds men and nations accountable for their actions Are we ready for that great Day of Judgment, in which we will one day be held accountable for our actions? As Paul wrote: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men..." (2 Co 5:10-11a) Are you willing to let the Word of God persuade you to do what is right?

19 "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS" Amos - The Country Prophet (Part II Chapters 3 thru 6) INTRODUCTION 1. In our previous study we began our survey of the book of Amos a. A prophet of God, who was... 1) A country shepherd and gatherer of sycamore fruit - Amos 7: ) Called to proclaim God's judgments on the nations, especially Israel b. Whose book is divided into three sections, in which we find... 1) "Oracles" concerning sin and judgment of eight nations (ch.1-2) 2) "Sermons" concerning the sin and judgment of Israel (ch. 3-6) 3) "Visions" regarding the sin and judgment of Israel (ch. 7-9) c. In his "oracles", we saw that God pronounced judgment upon... 1) Heathen nations, such as Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, and Moab 2) The people of God, both Judah and Israel -- With emphasis placed upon the sins and judgment of the northern kingdom of Israel 2. In this lesson, we shall direct our attention to the "sermons" in chapters 3 thru 6 a. There are three sermons, each beginning with "Hear this word..." - Amos 3:1; Amos 4:1; Amos 5:1 b. The focus of these sermons is Israel, the kingdom in the north [From an outline by Ryrie, the first "sermon" could be entitled...] I. THE DOOM OF ISRAEL (Amos 3:1-15) A. AMOS DEFENDS HIS RIGHT TO PROPHESY The Lord has spoken against Israel - Amps 3:1-2 a. With whom He has had a special relationship b. Whom He now will punish for their sins 2. Seven questions with obvious answers - Amos 3:3-6 a. The purpose and meaning of these questions have been variously interpreted b. But their intent appears to enforce the logic of what follows in the next two verses 3. Can a prophet remain silent when God speaks? - Amos 3:7-8 a. The Lord does nothing unless He reveals it by one of His prophets b. Like a lion that has roared (cf. Amos 1:2), God has spoken and Amos must prophesy! B. ISRAEL'S DOOM Ashdod and Egypt are called to witness Israel's wickedness - Amos 3: Israel will be plundered by an adversary - Amos 3:11-15 a. Though never identified by Amos, Isaiah declared that it would be Assyria b. Concerning Israel's coming punishment: 1) Only a remnant will survive of those who dwell in luxury, like a piece of lamb left over after being ravaged by a lion 2) Destruction will come upon the altars of Bethel (cf. Jeroboam's idolatry) 3) Destruction will befall their luxurious homes [With this first "sermon", destruction is pronounced upon Israel. The sin of some of the men was mentioned earlier (Amos 2:6-8 ), with the next "sermon" we see the wickedness of the women...] II. THE DEPRAVITY OF THE WOMEN OF ISRAEL (Amos 4:1-13)

20 A. THE "COWS OF BASHAN", THEY ARE INSATIABLE Living in Samaria (Israel) they were: a. Oppressing the poor and needy - Amos 4:1 b. Crying out for wine - Amos 4:2 2. For which they will suffer painful deportation to a foreign land - Amos 4:3 B. A SARCASTIC CALL TO WORSHIP To worship their false gods at Bethel and Gilgal - Amos 4: Designed to show how far they have departed from God C. THEY HAD REJECTED GOD'S CHASTISEMENTS They had failed to respond to God's efforts to get them to repent a. Famine - Amos 4:6 b. Drought - Amos 4:7-8 c. Pestilence - Amos 4:9 d. Plague and war - Amos 4:10 e. Earthquake, or perhaps volcanic eruptions - Amos 4:11 2. Therefore they must prepare to meet their God! a. Who is bringing such judgments upon them - Amos 4:12 b. Whose name is "The LORD God of hosts" - Amos 4:13 [In light of such a judgment to befall Israel, it is not surprising to see that the third "sermon" is in the form of a lamentation...] III. A DIRGE OVER ISRAEL (Amos Chapters 5 & 6) A. A LAMENTATION FOR THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL In view of her coming fall - Amos 5: In which only a remnant will be left - Amos 5:3 B. A CALL TO REPENTANCE, FOR THERE IS STILL HOPE Seek the Lord and live, lest He come with fiery judgment! - Amos 5: Seek Him who is all powerful! - Amos 5: For He knows your manifold sins! - Amos 5: Seek that which is good, not evil; perhaps God will be gracious! - Amos 5:14-15 C. THE COMING DAY OF THE LORD The Lord is coming, and there shall be wailing in the streets and fields - Amos 5: The day of the Lord is not to be desired by sinful men a. For it will be a day of darkness - Amos 5:18-20 b. For God is repelled by their show of religion, when there should be righteousness and justice - Amos 5:21-24 c. For they have never really served God, even in the wilderness - Amos 5: Therefore they will be taken "beyond Damascus" (Assyria!) - Amos 5:25-27 D. A WARNING EVEN TO THOSE IN ZION Woe to those who are at ease, trusting in Samaria (i.e., the northern kingdom of Israel) - Amos 6:1-2 a. Perhaps to defend them? b. Consider what happened to kingdoms far greater! 2. Woe to those who say the day of the Lord is far off - Amos 6:3-6 a. Who bask in their luxury b. While their brethren are afflicted

21 3. They shall be among the first to go into captivity - Amos 6:7 E. THE EXTENT OF THE COMING DESTRUCTION Coming because God hates their pride - Amos 6:8 2. A destruction where men will be scarce, and their houses destroyed - Amos 6: Why? Because they perverted justice and righteousness, priding themselves in their own strength - Amos 6: But God will raise up a nation (Assyria) against them, who will afflict them from the north ("the entrance of Hamath") to the south ("the Valley of the Arabah") - Amos 6:14 [So ends the third of these three "sermons" of Amos. Before we conclude our study, let us share some...] IV. OBSERVATIONS FROM THE "SERMONS" OF AMOS A. THE RECURRING THEMES OF JUSTICE AND RIGHTEOUSNESS Several times we find references to justice and righteousness - Amos 5:7; Amos 3:15; Amos 3:24; Amos 6:12 2. Their opposites are also mentioned: oppression and evil - Amos 3:10 ; Amos 4:1; Amos 5: Lacking justice and righteousness, all their religion, wealth, and power were in vain! -- Is there not a lesson for us to learn here? - cf. Mt 5:23-24 B. ISRAEL'S FAILURE TO HEED GOD'S CHASTISEMENTS That God used natural calamity to get their attention is evident - Amos 4: Why did they not heed God's efforts? a. Perhaps they did not make the connection b. Perhaps they assumed it was just a coincidence 3. One would be amiss to always attribute natural calamities to God's working; yet... a. Should we not be open to the possibility that God may be saying something? b. Should we not at least use such occasions to reflect on our relationship with God? C. REGARDING THE DAY OF THE LORD The "day of the Lord" is a day of judgment, and a day of darkness - Amos 5:18 a. In Amos it has reference to God's judgment upon Israel, which came when Assyria took them into captivity b. But such judgment prefigures the Final Judgment, the "day of the Lord" 1) In which Christ will come to judge the world - Ac 17: ) It too will be a day of "darkness" - cf. 2 Pe 3:7; 2 Pe 3:12 2. While we might not desire that "day" per se, we do look forward to what is to follow - cf. 2 Pe 3:13-14 D. GOD'S GRACIOUS OFFER OF REPENTANCE Even with the pronouncement of judgment, there is an offer to have life if one repents - Amos 5:4-6; Amos 5: As we saw with Joel and Jonah, God was willing to relent for those who repented 3. Even today, while the gospel proclaims judgment to come, it also offers salvation! - cf. 2 Co 6:1-2 CONCLUSION 1. Unfortunately, not many heeded the warnings of Amos - cf. 2 Ki 17:13-23 a. Within thirty years (722 B.C.), Israel was taken into captivity b. Under the cruel hand of the Assyrians, they experienced the righteous judgment of God 2. What about us, will we heed the warnings of Christ and His apostles? a. Their message is really not that different ("seek the Lord and live", "seek good and not evil") b. They too call upon us to repent and seek the Lord through faith and obedience, though it is obedience to the gospel of Christ and not the Law of Moses

22 Remember that the book of Amos, along with the rest of the Old Testament, was: "...written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come." (1 Co 10:11) Are we willing to learn from its admonition, such as those found in the prophecies of Amos?

23 "STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS" Amos - The Country Prophet (Part III Chapters 7, 8 and 9) INTRODUCTION 1. In the first two studies on the book of Amos, we briefly surveyed... a. The "Oracles" of Amos, concerning sin and judgment of eight nations (ch. 1-2) b. The "Sermons" of Amos, concerning the sin and judgment of Israel (ch. 3-6) 2. In this third and final lesson on Amos, we will... a. Focus our attention on the last three chapters which contain... 1) Five "Visions" of Amos 2) An "interlude" in which Amos defends his prophetic role 3) A closing glimpse of a brighter future b. Offer a summary of lessons gleaned from the book of Amos [Let's begin, then by noting...] I. THE "VISIONS" OF AMOS (Amos 7:1 to 9:15) A. THE VISION OF THE LOCUSTS (Amos 7:1-3) 1. The vision and the Lord's response to Amos' prayer... a. The Lord shows Amos a swarm of locusts devastating the crops b. Amos cries out in behalf of Jacob (Israel) c. The Lord hears, and relents so that the locust plague will not happen 2. The meaning of the vision... a. Some take the locust plague to be a figurative symbol of an invading army b. Whether literal or figurative, the judgment it represented is averted by the pleading of the prophet c. It is reminiscent of what we saw in Joel, how the nation's repentance averted the reoccurrence of the "locust invasion" - cf. Joel 2:1-24 B. THE VISION OF THE FIRE (Amos 7:4-6) 1. The vision and the Lord's response to Amos' prayer... a. The Lord shows Amos a fire consuming the "great deep" and the territory b. Once again Amos cries out in behalf of Jacob (Israel) c. The Lord again hears, and relents from bringing the conflagration upon Israel 2. The meaning of the vision... a. Clearly figurative, for the "great deep" is likely the Mediterranean Sea b. Whatever judgment it represents it is also averted by the prayer of Amos c. These first two visions appear to illustrate God's longsuffering due to the prayers of the righteous C. THE VISION OF THE PLUMB LINE (Amos 7:7-9) 1. The vision and the Lord's explanation... a. The Lord is standing on a wall with a plumb line in hand

24 b. The Lord explains He is setting a plumb line in the midst of Israel, and will now bring destruction upon: 1) The places of idolatrous worship ("high places" and "sanctuaries") 2) The house of Jeroboam (the ruling king of Israel, cf. Amos 1:1 ) 2. The meaning of the vision... a. A plumb line is used to measure the correctness of any construction b. God has so measured Israel, and found her so defective that He cannot overlook her anymore c. The judgment will involve destruction of her religious and political leaders D. AN INTERLUDE: AMAZIAH'S COMPLAINT AGAINST AMOS (Amos 7:10-17) 1. Amaziah, priest of Bethel (center of idolatrous worship), accuses Amos of conspiracy against Jeroboam king of Israel - Amos 7: Amaziah tells Amos to leave Bethel and go back to his own country of Judah - Amos 7: Amos defends his prophetic mission - Amos 7: Amos then prophesies against Amaziah and Israel - Amos 7:16-17 E. THE VISION OF THE SUMMER FRUIT (Amos 8:1-14) 1. The vision and the Lord's explanation - Amos 8:1-3 a. Amos is shown a basket of summer fruit (evidently quite ripened) b. The Lord reveals that Israel's end is near, and is ripe for judgment 2. Once again, the nature of Israel's sin is described - Amos 8:4-6 a. Oppression of the poor and needy - cf. Amos 2:6-7 b. Disdain for religious observances, because they hinder economic enterprise c. Dishonest economic practices, to further abuse the poor and needy 3. The nature of Israel's judgment is described - Amos 8:7-14 a. A day of mourning is coming - Amos 8:7-10 b. A day of famine for the word of God is coming - Amos 8:11-12 c. Those who trust in idolatry will fall and never rise again - Amos 8:13-14 F. THE VISION OF THE LORD BY THE ALTAR (Amos 9:1-10) 1. Is this the altar of Jerusalem, or Bethel? (I suspect the latter) 2. The altar shall be destroyed, and none shall escape - Amos 9: The One who shall accomplish this is described - Amos 9: Israel has become little different than the heathen nations - Amos 9:7 5. The careful, discriminate, nature of the Lord's judgment - Amos 9:8-10 a. The "kingdom" will be utterly destroyed b. But the "house of Jacob" will not c. What little is good will be spared, as grain sifted in a sieve d. But the sinners shall not escape, despite their claims to the contrary G. A GLIMPSE OF A BRIGHTER FUTURE - Amos 9: The restoration of the tabernacle of David is foretold, in which even the remnant of Edom and Gentiles who are called by His name are possessed - Amos 9: The restoration described in terms of agricultural abundance - Amos 9: James applied the fulfillment of this prophecy to the church and the inclusion of the Gentiles by the gospel - cf. Acts 15: So the prophecy is figurative... a. Given in terms especially comforting to those of Amos' day